Exercise device

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides an exercise device comprising a weighted head and a handle. In some embodiments, the exercise device may be essentially as shown in FIG.  1  and/or FIG.  2.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Number 62/435,012 filed on Dec. 15, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to the field of exercise devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

There is a need in the art for exercise devices that simulate swinging a sledgehammer without causing the damage typically resulting from sledgehammer having a solid (e.g., steel) head or hammer portion attached to a handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1. Exemplary design of exercise device. FIG. 1A. First view of exemplary design of exercise device. FIG. 1B. Second view of exemplary design of exercise device.

FIG. 2. Second exemplary design of exercise device.

FIG. 3. FIG. 3A. Side view of exemplary exercise device. FIG. 3B. Additional side views of the exemplary exercise device. FIG. 3C. Top-down view of weighted head (1) and top cap apparatus (24). FIG. 3D. Bottom-up view of weighted head (1) and bottom connector apparatus (25). FIG. 3E. Detailed side view of top cap apparatus (24) arranged within and upon weighted head (1) (2: handle; 26: outer tube; 27: tapped plate is welded to outer tube; 28: retaining disc welded to end of handle; 29: through hole plate clamps ball to outer tube; 30: rubber). FIG. 3F. Side view of exercise device comprising top cap apparatus (24) and bottom connector apparatus (25) oriented opposite one another relative to weighted head (1), and quick-release connector (31) (exterior view). FIG. 3G. Side view of exercise device comprising top cap apparatus (24) and bottom connector apparatus (25) oriented opposite one another relative to weighted head (1), and quick-release connector (31) (interior view) (slam ball is filled to desired to weight with sand). FIG. 3H. Side view of bottom connector apparatus (25) with quick-release connector (31 (quick-release connector locks slam ball in place)) positioned within handle (2) (interior view) (26: outer tube; 32: tapped plate is welded to outer tube; 33: through hole plate clamps ball to outer tube).

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure provides an exercise device comprising a weighted head and a handle, as well as methods for producing and using the same. In some embodiments, the exercise device may be essentially as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to exercise devices comprising a weighted head and handle. In one embodiment, the exercise device may be essentially as shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and/or FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the exercise device may comprise: a weighted head (1); a handle (2) (in some embodiments referred to as “first tube”), in this embodiment comprising a first tube (12), and/or a receiver (10); and, an attachment device (3) for fixably attaching the weighted head and the tube, the attachment device (3) comprising a cap (19) and a second tube (6, 20); wherein: weighted head (1) optionally comprises: an inner (16) and an outer (17) surface enclosing an interior compartment (18) comprising a material (21) providing flexible weight to the weighted head (1); a first orifice (14) distal from the first tube (12); a second orifice (15) proximal to the first tube (12); attachment device (3) comprises a cap (19) and a connector (8) that may be received by a receiver (10) of the handle (2); the attachment device (3) contacts the outer surface of the weighted head by a cap (19); the cap (19) is fixably attached to the inner (16) and outer (17) surfaces of the weighted head (1); the attachment device (3) is fixably attached to the first tube (12); optionally first tube (12) and the second tube (6, 20) each comprise an orifice (7, 11) that align to one another upon attachment of attachment device (3) and handle (2); and, optionally further comprising a pin (13) protruding through each orifice (7, 11) to secure attachment device (3) and handle (2) to one another. In some embodiments, cap (19) may be fixably attached to the inner (16) and outer (17) surfaces by a bolt and nut combination (4, 9), a connector, and/or an adhesive. In some embodiments, material (21) may comprise sand, rubber and/or plastic. In some embodiments, weighted head (1) may comprise at least one orifice (14, 15) through which the first and/or second tubes (12, 6/20) enter and/or exit weighted head (1). In some embodiments, a first attachment device (3A) may be attached to weighted head (1) distal to the handle (2) and a second attachment device (3B) may be attached to weighted head (1) proximal to the handle (2) (e.g., as in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the first tube (12) comprises one or more connectors (22) and weighted head (1) comprises one or more connectors (23) that interact with one another to secure weighted head (1) and handle (2) to one another (e.g., FIG. 3). In some embodiments, a system comprising multiple weighted heads (1) of different weights and a handle (2) such that the weighted heads (1) of different weights may be removably and interchangeably attached to handle (2).

An illustrative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 3A-H. FIGS. 3A and 3B provide side views of a completely assembled device comprising a weighted head (1) and a handle (2). In these embodiments, the weighted head includes a top cap apparatus (24) and a bottom connector apparatus (25), each of which are fixably attached (e.g., connected) thereto, and/or a second tube (26) traversing through weighted head (1) (e.g., as does 6/20 in FIG. 1). Top cap apparatus (24) and bottom connector apparatus (25) are typically positioned opposite one another with respect to the circumference of weighted head (1). For instance, top cap apparatus (24) may considered to be positioned at the “top” of weighted head (1) and the bottom connector apparatus (25) may be considered to be positioned at the “bottom” of weighted head (1). In some embodiments, second tube (26) may extend beyond the outside edge of weighted head (1), e.g., it may protrude from the weighted head (1) and through the bottom connector apparatus (25). Second tube (26) typically has a diameter greater than that of handle (2), such that handle (2) may be positioned within second tube (26) (e.g., in manufacture handle (2) may be inserted into second tube (26)). FIG. 3C provide top-down view of top cap apparatus (24). FIG. 3D provides bottom-up view of bottom connector apparatus (25). As shown in FIG. 3E, in these embodiments, top cap apparatus (24) typically includes tapped plate (27) adjoined to (e.g., welded to) second tube (26) (referred to in FIG. 3E as “outer tube”) through which handle (2) extends (i.e., in this embodiment, handle (2) is within second tube (26) (“outer tube”)). In such embodiments, the diameter of handle (2) is less than that of second tube (26). Retaining disc (28) may be affixed to (e.g., welded to) and extend outwardly from the top end of handle (2) and, in some embodiments may encircle the, or extend around the circumference of, handle (2). Tapped plate (27) provides through holes (29) through which screws or similar devices may be inserted and used to clamp weighted head (1) to second tube (26) (“outer tube”). In some embodiments, tapped plate (27) may encircle the, or extend around the circumference of, second tube (26). Rubber cap (30) is typically affixed onto this assembly to complete top cap apparatus (24), further secure the same, and provide a smooth exterior thereto. FIG. 3F-H illustrate a side views of the device, showing quick-release connector (31) positioned within handle (2) and distal to top cap (24) (i.e., the “bottom” of weighted head (1) where top cap apparatus is considered to be at the “top” of the device). Quick-release connector (31) is used to connect (e.g., secure) weighted head (1) handle (2) to one another. Quick-release connector (31) is typically positioned within handle (2) and comprises buttons that are depressed and released to connect to holes within second tube (26), thereby connecting (e.g., securing) weighted head (1) to handle (2). A suitable quick-release connector is a device designed to use spring force and a pin-like button to hold telescoping pieces of tubing together (e.g., handle (2) and second tube (26)). The quick-release connector is typically inserted into the smaller (e.g., that with a smaller diameter) of the two tubes. The smaller diameter tube (e.g., handle (2)) is then inserted into the larger diameter tube (e.g., second tube (26)) until the connector button (which reversibly protrudes through a hole through the wall of the smaller diameter tube) pops into a hole of the larger diameter tube (e.g., second tube (26)) to reversibly secure the tubes to one another. Suitable quick-release connectors are widely available to those of ordinary skill in the art (e.g., the Zinc-Plated Steel Quick-Release Connector available from McMaster-Carr, such as part number #94282A370). As shown in FIG. 3H, the bottom connector apparatus (25) may include tapped plate (32) adjoined to second tube (26) (referred to in FIG. 3E as “outer tube”) through which handle (2) extends (i.e., as for the top cap piece (24), in this embodiment, handle (2) is within second tube (26) (“outer tube”)). Tapped plate (32) provides through holes (33) through which screws or similar devices may be inserted and used to clamp weighted head (1) to second tube (26) (“outer tube”). This section of the second tube (26) (“outer tube”) also includes holes (34) positioned to receive the connector buttons of the quick-release connector (31). As described above, this arrangement provides for weighted head (1) to be reversibly connected to handle (2). In some embodiments, second tube (26) may have a diameter less than that of handle (2) (first tube), and second tube in positioned within handle (2). In some embodiments such as this, or others, the quick-release connector may be positioned within either the handle (2) or the second tube (26). The exercise device could also comprise a single tube providing the functions of both handle (2) and second tube (26). Other embodiments of this device may be designed by varying the parts described herein as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, methods for manufacturing the exercise device described herein are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise attaching weighted head (1) (before or after material providing its weight is deposited into the interior thereof) is attached (e.g., connected) to handle (2). Weighted head (1) and handle (2) may take any form described herein (e.g., a weighted head (1) comprising a top cap piece (24) and a bottom connector apparatus (25), most preferably at least the bottom connector apparatus (25)), or any other that those of ordinary skill in the art may find to be suitable. In some embodiments, a top cap piece (24) and a bottom connector apparatus (25) are attached to a weighted head (1) (before or after the weighted head is actually weighted, i.e., at least partially filled with a material such as sand providing weight to weighted head (1)), adjoining (e.g., connecting) the second tube (26) and handle (2) to one another, with or without engaging a button in a quick-release connector (31) that may be present in the first tube (handle (2) or the second tube (26)). The button of the quick-release connector may be engaged by aligning holes in the second tube (26) and the handle (2) such that the button may traverse such holes, thereby reversibly securing the the second tube (26) and the handle (2) to one another. Other methods for making an exercise device described herein are also contemplated, as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some embodiments, methods for using the exercise devices described herein are provided. In some embodiments, a user raises the device above a solid surface (e.g., a floor) and then drops the weighted head to that surface while holding onto the handle, a movement that is repeated as desired by the user. Weighted heads of differing weights may be attached to a handle, providing users of different strengths with an exercise regimen customized to their strength. For instance, one user may selected a weighted head of, for instance, 10 lbs while another may selected a weighted head of, for instance, 30 pounds. A user may also perform a certain number of repetitions using a weighted head of one weight (e.g., 10 lbs) and a certain number of repetions using a weighted head of another weight (e.g., 30 lbs), using the same handle, by changing the weighted head attached thereto (e.g., using the quick-release connector). Other methods for using an exercise device described herein are also contemplated, as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The terms “about”, “approximately”, and the like, when preceding a list of numerical values or range, refer to each individual value in the list or range independently as if each individual value in the list or range was immediately preceded by that term. The terms mean that the values to which the same refer are exactly, close to, or similar thereto. Optional or optionally means that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. Ranges may be expressed herein as from about one particular value, and/or to about another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent about or approximately, it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Ranges (e.g., 90-100%) are meant to include the range per se as well as each independent value within the range as if each value was individually listed. The term “combined” or “in combination” or “in conjunction” may refer to a physical combination of components and/or parts, either physically or functionally.

All references cited within this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Certain embodiments are further described in the following examples. These embodiments are provided as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. While certain embodiments have been described in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is understood that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such equivalent variations that come within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An exercise device comprising: a) a weighted head (1); b) a handle (2) comprising a first tube (12) and a receiver (10); and, c) an attachment device (3) for fixably attaching the weighted head and the tube, the attachment device (3) comprising a cap (19) and a second tube (6, 20); wherein: weighted head (1) optionally comprises: an inner (16) and an outer (17) surface enclosing an interior compartment (18) comprising a material (21) providing flexible weight to the weighted head (1); a first orifice (14) distal from the first tube (12); a second orifice (15) proximal to the first tube (12); attachment device (3) comprises a cap (19) and a connector (8) that may be received by a receiver (10) of the handle (2); the attachment device (3) contacts the outer surface of the weighted head by a cap (19); the cap (19) is fixably attached to the inner (16) and outer (17) surfaces of the weighted head (1); the attachment device (3) is fixably attached to the first tube (12); optionally first tube (12) and the second tube (6, 20) each comprise an orifice (7, 11) that align to one another upon attachment of attachment device (3) and handle (2); and, optionally further comprising a pin (13) protruding through each orifice (7, 11) to secure attachment device (3) and handle (2) to one another.
 2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the cap (19) is fixably attached to the inner (16) and outer (17) surfaces by a bolt and nut combination (4, 9), a connector, and/or an adhesive.
 3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein material (21) comprises sand, rubber and/or plastic.
 4. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein weighted head (1) comprises at least one orifice (14, 15) through which the first and/or second tubes (12, 6/20) enter and/or exit weighted head (1).
 5. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein comprising a first attachment device (3A) attached to weighted head (1) distal to the handle (2) and a second attachment device (3B) attached to weighted head (1) proximal to the handle (2).
 6. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the first tube (12) comprises one or more connectors (22) and weighted head (1) comprises one or more connectors that interact with one another to secure weighted head (1) and handle (2) to one another.
 7. An exercise device comprising a weighted head (1) and a handle (2), the weighted head includes a top cap apparatus (24) and a bottom connector apparatus (25), each of which being fixably attached to the weighted head (2), and/or a second tube (26) traversing through weighted head (1); top cap apparatus (24) and bottom connector apparatus (25) being positioned opposite one another with respect to the circumference of weighted head (1); second tube (26) optionally extending beyond the outside edge of weighted head (1); second tube (26) having a diameter greater than that of handle (2) and handle (2) being positioned within second tube (26); top cap apparatus (24) comprising a tapped plate (27) adjoined to second tube (26), retaining disc (28) affixed to and extending outwardly from handle (2) distal from bottom connector apparatus (25) and encircling handle (2), tapped plate (27) comprising through holes (29) for affixing weighted head (1) to second tube (26) and encircling second tube (26), and rubber cap (30) affixed to the exterior of weighted head (1); quick-release connector (31) comprising connector buttons and being positioned within handle (2) and distal to top cap (24) but proximal to bottom connector apparatus (25) for connecting handle (2) and second tube (26) to one another, thereby connecting weighted head (1) and handle (2) to one another; bottom connector apparatus (25) comprising tapped plate (32) adjoined to second tube (26) through which handle (2) extends, through holes (33) through holes (29) for affixing weighted head (1) to second tube (26); second tube (26) comprising holes (34) positioned to receive the connector buttons of the quick-release connector (31).
 8. A method for manufacturing an exercise device of claim 1, the method comprising attaching weighted head (1), before or after material providing its weight is deposited into the interior thereof, to handle (2).
 9. A method for using the exercise device of claim 1, wherein a user raises the device above a solid surface and then drops the weighted head to that surface while holding onto the handle, optionally repeated as desired by the user. 